10834538

Locating a Mobile Device and Notifying a User of the Mobile Device Location

PublishedNovember 10, 2020
Assigneenot available in USPTO data we have
Technical Abstract

Patent Claims
19 claims

Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.

Claim 1

Original Legal Text

1. A method of providing a notification regarding a mobile device being left in a vehicle used in a vehicle for hire service, the method comprising: monitoring, by at least one processor of a computing device, first location reports from the mobile device reporting a location of the mobile device and second location reports from a vehicle location reporting device reporting a location of the vehicle, the monitoring occurring for a threshold period of time upon receiving an indication that the vehicle reached a destination; comparing, by the at least one processor, the reported location of the mobile device with the reported location of the vehicle; determining, by the at least one processor, that a user of the mobile device left the mobile device in the vehicle used in the vehicle for hire service after the vehicle reached a destination when a result of the comparing indicates that the mobile device and the vehicle were within a threshold distance of each other for the threshold period of time; determining, by the at least one processor, at least one second party to notify regarding the mobile device being left in the vehicle based on a use of the vehicle for hire service by the user of the mobile device and the at least one second party; and notifying, by the at least one processor, the at least one second party regarding the mobile device being left in the vehicle via at least one device used by the at least one second party.

Plain English Translation

This invention addresses the problem of passengers leaving mobile devices in vehicles used for hire services, such as taxis or ride-sharing vehicles. The method involves monitoring the locations of both the mobile device and the vehicle after the vehicle reaches its destination. A computing device with at least one processor receives location reports from the mobile device and the vehicle's location reporting device over a threshold period of time. The processor compares the locations of the mobile device and the vehicle. If the mobile device remains within a threshold distance of the vehicle for the threshold period, the system determines that the user likely left the device in the vehicle. The system then identifies at least one second party to notify, such as the vehicle operator or the passenger's emergency contact, based on the vehicle service usage data. The notification is sent to the second party via their device, alerting them that the mobile device was left behind. This solution automates the detection and notification process, reducing the risk of lost or forgotten devices in hired vehicles.

Claim 2

Original Legal Text

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the determining the at least one second party to notify further comprises: determining, by the at least one processor, that the user and the at least one second party are sharing a fee for a current use of the vehicle for hire service.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a system for notifying parties involved in a vehicle-for-hire service, particularly when a user's behavior may impact others. The problem addressed is the lack of awareness among co-users when one party's actions, such as a route change or delay, affects shared costs or schedules. The system identifies a second party to notify by determining that the user and the second party are jointly responsible for a fee associated with the current use of the vehicle-for-hire service. This ensures that all financially linked parties are informed of changes that may affect their shared expenses. The notification process may include analyzing ride-sharing agreements, payment splits, or other financial arrangements to identify relevant parties. The system then generates and sends alerts to these parties, ensuring transparency and coordination among co-users. This approach improves user experience by preventing unexpected costs and conflicts, particularly in shared rides where multiple individuals contribute to the fare. The invention enhances communication in ride-sharing scenarios, ensuring all parties are aware of changes that impact their shared financial obligations.

Claim 3

Original Legal Text

3. The method of claim 2 , further comprising: providing respective identifying information of the user and the at least one second party to one or more computing devices associated with at least one business associate having a respective business location within a predefined distance of one from a group of a vehicle for hire service pickup location, the destination, and a route of the current use of the vehicle for hire service.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a method for enhancing vehicle-for-hire services by integrating user and second-party identification with business associate locations. The method addresses the problem of inefficient coordination between vehicle-for-hire services, users, and nearby businesses, which can lead to missed opportunities for additional services or partnerships. The method involves providing identifying information of a user and at least one second party to one or more computing devices associated with business associates. These business associates must have a physical location within a predefined distance of a vehicle-for-hire service pickup location, destination, or route. The second party may be another user, a service provider, or an entity involved in the vehicle-for-hire transaction. The computing devices of the business associates receive this information, enabling them to offer relevant services, promotions, or coordination based on the user's journey. This approach improves service efficiency by leveraging real-time location data and user identification to facilitate interactions between vehicle-for-hire services and nearby businesses. It ensures that businesses can dynamically engage with users during their trips, enhancing the overall service experience. The method also supports seamless integration with existing vehicle-for-hire systems, making it adaptable to various transportation platforms.

Claim 4

Original Legal Text

4. The method of claim 3 , further comprising: receiving, by the at least one processor, a communication on behalf of the at least one business associate, the communication including the respective identifying information of the user and the at least one second party and further includes one from a group of an advertisement, a coupon, and an offer regarding a business of the at least one business associate; and presenting, by the at least one processor, the one from the group of the advertisement, the coupon, and the offer to the user and the at least one second party.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a system for facilitating communications and transactions between users, business associates, and second parties. The system addresses the problem of efficiently connecting users with relevant business offers while ensuring secure and targeted interactions. The method involves processing identifying information of a user and at least one second party, such as a friend or colleague, to establish a connection between them. The system then receives a communication from a business associate, which includes the user's and second party's identifying information along with an advertisement, coupon, or offer related to the business associate's business. The system presents this communication to both the user and the second party, enabling targeted marketing and promotions. The method ensures that the communication is relevant to both parties, enhancing engagement and potential transactions. The system may also verify the identities of the user and second party to ensure secure and authenticated interactions. This approach improves the efficiency of marketing efforts by leveraging existing relationships between users and their associates, while also providing a secure and personalized experience for the recipients.

Claim 5

Original Legal Text

5. The method of claim 4 , wherein the presenting further comprises: sending the one from the group of the advertisement, the coupon, and the offer to respective devices of the user and the at least one second party for presentation via an application, associated with the vehicle for hire service, executing on the respective devices.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to targeted advertising and promotions within a vehicle-for-hire service ecosystem. The problem addressed is the inefficient delivery of relevant advertisements, coupons, or offers to users and associated parties during or after a ride, often resulting in missed engagement opportunities. The method involves presenting targeted content—such as advertisements, coupons, or offers—to a user and at least one second party (e.g., a passenger or another user) based on contextual data like location, ride details, or user preferences. The content is dynamically selected from a group of available options and sent to the respective devices of the user and the second party. The content is displayed via an application associated with the vehicle-for-hire service, ensuring seamless integration with the user experience. This approach enhances engagement by delivering personalized promotions directly to the intended recipients during or after the ride, improving the effectiveness of marketing efforts. The system leverages real-time data to ensure relevance, increasing the likelihood of user interaction with the presented offers.

Claim 6

Original Legal Text

6. The method of claim 4 , wherein the presenting further comprises: sending the one from the group of the advertisement, the coupon, and the offer to respective devices of the user and the at least one second party for presentation via one from a group of an email application and a text messaging application executing on the respective devices.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to targeted digital advertising and promotions, specifically systems for delivering personalized advertisements, coupons, or offers to users and their associated contacts. The problem addressed is the inefficiency of generic advertising, which often fails to engage users or their social networks effectively. The solution involves analyzing user data to identify relevant promotions and then distributing them to both the user and their connected parties, such as friends or family, through digital communication channels. The method includes selecting a promotion (e.g., an advertisement, coupon, or offer) based on user preferences, behavior, or demographic data. The promotion is then sent to the user's device and the devices of at least one other party, such as a friend or family member, for display. The delivery occurs via email or text messaging applications installed on the devices, ensuring seamless integration with existing communication tools. This approach leverages social connections to enhance engagement and conversion rates by targeting both the user and their trusted network. The system may also track interactions with the promotion, such as clicks or redemptions, to refine future targeting. By distributing promotions through familiar communication channels, the method increases visibility and relevance, addressing the challenge of ad fatigue and improving user experience. The invention is particularly useful in e-commerce, retail, and digital marketing, where personalized and socially amplified promotions can drive higher engagement and sales.

Claim 7

Original Legal Text

7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the determining the at least one second party to notify further comprises: finding one or more entries in a purchase history of the user, with respect to the vehicle for hire service, indicating that the user and the at least one second party shared a fee for use of the vehicle for hire service.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to ride-sharing services and addresses the challenge of efficiently notifying relevant parties when a user requests a vehicle for hire. The method identifies additional individuals who should be notified about the ride request by analyzing the user's purchase history. Specifically, it searches for past transactions where the user and at least one other party jointly paid for a ride-sharing service. These historical records indicate shared usage patterns, suggesting that the identified second party may also need to be informed about the current ride request. By leveraging this purchase history, the system ensures that all relevant parties are promptly notified, improving coordination and reducing missed communications in shared ride scenarios. The approach enhances user experience by automating the identification of co-users based on verifiable transaction data, eliminating the need for manual input or additional user actions. This method is particularly useful in group travel situations where multiple individuals may share the cost of a ride, ensuring seamless and efficient notifications for all involved.

Claim 8

Original Legal Text

8. A system for providing a notification regarding a mobile device being left in a vehicle used in a vehicle for hire service, the system comprising: at least one processor; and a memory connected with the at least one processor, wherein the at least one processor is configured to perform: monitoring first location reports from the mobile device reporting a location of the mobile device and second location reports from a vehicle location reporting device reporting a location of the vehicle, the monitoring occurring for a threshold period of time upon receiving an indication that the vehicle reached a destination; comparing the reported location of the mobile device with the reported location of the vehicle; determining that a user of the mobile device left the mobile device in the vehicle used in the vehicle for hire service after the vehicle reached a destination when a result of the comparing indicates that the mobile device and the vehicle were within a threshold distance of each other for the threshold period of time, determining at least one second party to notify regarding the mobile device being left in the vehicle based on a use of the vehicle for hire service by the user of the mobile device and the at least one second party, and notifying the at least one second party regarding the mobile device being left in the vehicle via at least one device used by the at least one second party.

Plain English Translation

The system detects when a mobile device is left in a vehicle used for hire services, such as a taxi or rideshare, and notifies relevant parties. The system monitors location data from both the mobile device and the vehicle for a set period after the vehicle reaches its destination. If the mobile device remains within a specified distance of the vehicle during this time, the system determines that the user has likely left the device behind. The system then identifies at least one second party to notify, such as the vehicle service provider or the user’s emergency contact, based on the service usage details. The notification is sent to the second party via their device, alerting them that the mobile device was left in the vehicle. This helps prevent lost or stolen devices by ensuring timely recovery efforts. The system leverages location tracking and automated notifications to address the common issue of forgotten items in hired vehicles.

Claim 9

Original Legal Text

9. The system of claim 8 , wherein the determining the at least one second party to notify further comprises: determining that the user and the at least one second party are sharing a fee for a current use of the vehicle for hire service.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a vehicle-for-hire service system that enhances communication between users and other parties involved in shared transportation arrangements. The problem addressed is the lack of automated notification mechanisms to inform relevant parties about vehicle status, availability, or other critical updates in shared rides or split-fare scenarios. The system includes a vehicle-for-hire service platform that manages ride requests, vehicle assignments, and user interactions. It identifies a user who has requested or is using a vehicle-for-hire service and determines at least one second party who should be notified about the vehicle's status or other relevant information. The determination is based on whether the user and the second party are sharing the cost of the current ride. For example, if two users split the fare for a single ride, the system ensures both are notified about the vehicle's arrival, delays, or other updates. The system then sends notifications to the second party, ensuring all involved parties remain informed throughout the ride process. This improves coordination and transparency in shared transportation services.

Claim 10

Original Legal Text

10. The system of claim 9 , wherein the at least one processor is further configured to perform: providing respective identifying information of the user and the at least one second party to one or more computing devices associated with at least one business associate having a respective business location within a predefined distance of one from a group of a vehicle for hire service pickup location, the destination, and a route of the current use of the vehicle for hire service.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a system for facilitating interactions between users of a vehicle-for-hire service and business associates located near the user's journey. The system addresses the challenge of connecting users with relevant businesses during their ride, such as pickup locations, destinations, or along the route. The system includes at least one processor configured to provide identifying information of the user and at least one second party to computing devices associated with business associates. These business associates must have a physical location within a predefined distance of the user's pickup location, destination, or the route taken during the vehicle-for-hire service. The system ensures that businesses can receive user data to enable targeted services, promotions, or interactions based on the user's real-time location and travel path. This enhances user experience by providing location-relevant opportunities while leveraging the vehicle-for-hire service's data to benefit nearby businesses. The system may also include additional features such as user authentication, data privacy controls, and dynamic adjustments based on real-time conditions.

Claim 11

Original Legal Text

11. The system of claim 10 , wherein the at least one processor is further configured to perform: receiving a communication on behalf of the at least one business associate, the communication including the respective identifying information of the user and the at least one second party and further includes one from a group of an advertisement, a coupon, and an offer regarding a business of the at least one business associate; and presenting the one from the group of the advertisement, the coupon, and the offer to the user and the at least one second party.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a system for facilitating communications and transactions between users, business associates, and second parties. The system addresses the challenge of securely and efficiently exchanging information, advertisements, coupons, or offers between these entities while maintaining user privacy and data integrity. The system includes at least one processor configured to manage interactions between users, business associates, and second parties. The processor receives communications on behalf of business associates, which include identifying information of the user and the second party, along with content such as advertisements, coupons, or offers related to the business associate's operations. The system then presents this content to both the user and the second party, ensuring that the information is delivered securely and in a user-friendly manner. The system may also handle authentication and authorization processes to verify the identities of users and second parties before facilitating communications. Additionally, it may track and log interactions to provide analytics and reporting capabilities for business associates. The system ensures that all communications are encrypted and comply with relevant privacy regulations, protecting sensitive user data throughout the process. This approach enhances engagement between businesses and their customers while maintaining trust and security in digital transactions.

Claim 12

Original Legal Text

12. The system of claim 11 , wherein the at least one processor is further configured to perform: sending the one from the group of the advertisement, the coupon, and the offer to respective devices of the user and the at least one second party for presentation via an application, associated with the vehicle for hire service, executing on the respective devices.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a system for delivering targeted advertisements, coupons, or offers to users and other parties involved in a vehicle for hire service. The system addresses the challenge of effectively promoting relevant content to users and associated parties during or after a ride, enhancing engagement and monetization opportunities for the service provider. The system includes at least one processor configured to analyze user data, such as location, ride history, or preferences, to determine the most relevant advertisement, coupon, or offer from a group of available options. The processor then sends the selected content to the user's device and the devices of at least one second party, such as a driver or another passenger, for display within an application associated with the vehicle for hire service. The content is presented to the recipients via the application, ensuring seamless integration with the existing user experience. The system may also track user interactions with the delivered content, such as clicks or redemptions, to refine future targeting and improve relevance. By dynamically selecting and distributing content to multiple parties involved in a ride, the system maximizes exposure and engagement while maintaining a personalized experience for each recipient. This approach enhances the service provider's ability to monetize interactions without disrupting the user experience.

Claim 13

Original Legal Text

13. The system of claim 11 , wherein the at least one processor is further configured to perform: sending the one from the group of the advertisement, the coupon, and the offer to respective devices of the user and the at least one second party for presentation via one from a group of an email application and a text messaging application executing on the respective devices.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a system for delivering targeted advertisements, coupons, or offers to users and associated parties via digital communication channels. The system addresses the challenge of effectively distributing promotional content to users and their contacts in a personalized and timely manner. The system includes at least one processor configured to identify a user and at least one second party associated with the user, such as a friend, family member, or business contact. The processor then selects one or more promotional items from a group consisting of advertisements, coupons, or offers based on user preferences, behavior, or other relevant data. The selected promotional content is then sent to the respective devices of the user and the second party for display through either an email application or a text messaging application installed on those devices. This ensures that the promotional content is delivered in a format that is convenient and accessible to the recipients, increasing the likelihood of engagement. The system may also include additional features such as tracking user interactions with the promotional content to refine future selections and improve targeting accuracy. The overall goal is to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of digital marketing campaigns by leveraging existing communication channels and user relationships.

Claim 14

Original Legal Text

14. The system of claim 8 , wherein the determining the at least one second party to notify further comprises: finding one or more entries in a purchase history of the user, with respect to the vehicle for hire service, indicating that the user and the at least one second party shared a fee for use of the vehicle for hire service.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a vehicle-for-hire service system that identifies and notifies relevant parties when a user engages the service. The system addresses the problem of ensuring that all parties involved in a shared vehicle-for-hire transaction are properly notified, particularly when multiple individuals contribute to the cost of the service. The system determines at least one second party to notify by analyzing the user's purchase history for entries indicating shared payment arrangements. Specifically, it identifies transactions where the user and the second party collectively paid for the vehicle-for-hire service, ensuring that all contributors are informed of the service's status or completion. The system may also track the user's location and vehicle availability to provide real-time updates to the notified parties. Additionally, the system can manage user accounts, process payments, and facilitate communication between the user and the vehicle-for-hire service provider. The invention improves transparency and coordination in shared transportation services by automatically identifying and notifying all financially involved parties.

Claim 15

Original Legal Text

15. A computer program product device for providing a notification regarding a mobile device being left in a vehicle used in a vehicle for hire service, the computer program product device comprising one or more computer readable storage media having program instructions collectively stored on the one or more computer readable storage media, the program instructions executable by a computer to cause the computer to: monitor first location reports from the mobile device reporting a location of the mobile device and second location reports from a vehicle location reporting device reporting a location of the vehicle, the monitoring occurring for a threshold period of time upon receiving an indication that the vehicle reached a destination; compare the reported location of the mobile device with the reported location of the vehicle; determine that a user of the mobile device left the mobile device in the vehicle used in the vehicle for hire service after the vehicle reached a destination when a result of the comparing indicates that the mobile device and the vehicle were within a threshold distance of each other for the threshold period of time; determine at least one second party to notify regarding the mobile device being left in the vehicle based on a use of the vehicle for hire service by the user of the mobile device and the at least one second party; and notify the at least one second party regarding the mobile device being left in the vehicle via at least one device used by the at least one second party.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a system for detecting and notifying when a mobile device is left behind in a vehicle used for hire services, such as taxis or rideshare vehicles. The problem addressed is the risk of users forgetting personal items, particularly mobile devices, in such vehicles after reaching their destination. The system operates by monitoring location data from both the mobile device and the vehicle. After the vehicle arrives at the destination, the system tracks the locations of both the mobile device and the vehicle for a predefined period. If the mobile device remains within a specified distance of the vehicle during this time, the system concludes that the user likely left the device behind. The system then identifies relevant parties to notify, such as the vehicle operator or the user’s contacts, based on the service usage details. Notifications are sent to these parties via their respective devices to alert them of the forgotten item. The solution leverages location tracking and automated notifications to reduce the likelihood of lost or forgotten mobile devices in vehicle-for-hire services, improving user convenience and security.

Claim 16

Original Legal Text

16. The computer program product device of claim 15 , wherein the program instructions being executable to cause the computer to determine the at least one second party to notify further comprises program instructions to cause the computer to: determine that the user and the at least one second party are sharing a fee for a current use of the vehicle for hire service.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a computer program product for managing notifications in a vehicle-for-hire service, particularly where multiple parties share costs. The system identifies a user and at least one second party who are jointly paying for a vehicle-for-hire service, such as a ride-sharing trip. The program determines the second party to notify based on shared payment responsibility, ensuring relevant parties are informed about the service status, such as trip updates or fare details. The system may also track payment splits, confirm shared agreements, or verify that all parties have contributed their portion of the fare. This addresses the problem of unclear communication in shared-ride scenarios, where users may not know who else is involved in the payment or the status of the shared transaction. The solution automates the identification of relevant parties and ensures timely notifications, improving transparency and reducing disputes over shared costs. The system may integrate with payment processing modules to verify transactions and confirm that all parties have fulfilled their financial obligations. This approach enhances user experience by streamlining shared-ride coordination and reducing manual intervention.

Claim 17

Original Legal Text

17. The computer program device product of claim 15 , wherein the program instructions being executable to cause the computer to determine the at least one second party to notify further comprises program instructions to cause the computer to: find one or more entries in a purchase history of the user, with respect to the vehicle for hire service, indicating that the user and the at least one second party shared a fee for use of the vehicle for hire service.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a computer program product for a vehicle-for-hire service, addressing the problem of efficiently identifying and notifying relevant parties when a user shares a ride or service cost with others. The system analyzes a user's purchase history to detect instances where the user and at least one other party (a second party) have previously split fees for the same vehicle-for-hire service. By identifying these shared transactions, the system can determine which second parties should be notified about new ride-sharing opportunities or cost-sharing arrangements. The program instructions execute on a computer to search the purchase history for matching entries where multiple users were billed together or split costs, ensuring that notifications are sent only to parties with a verified history of shared usage. This approach improves the accuracy and relevance of notifications, reducing unnecessary communications and enhancing user experience by connecting users with trusted or familiar co-riders. The system may also integrate with payment or ride-sharing platforms to track and verify shared transactions, ensuring reliable identification of second parties.

Claim 18

Original Legal Text

18. The computer program product device of claim 15 , wherein the program instructions being executable to cause the computer to determine the at least one second party to notify further comprises program instructions to cause the computer to: provide respective identifying information of the user and the at least one second party to one or more computing devices associated with at least one business associate having a respective business location within a predefined distance of one from a group of a vehicle for hire service pickup location, the destination, and a route of the current use of the vehicle for hire service.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a computer program product for a vehicle-for-hire service that enhances user and second-party notifications based on proximity to business associates. The system identifies a user and at least one second party, then determines which business associates are within a predefined distance of key locations—such as the pickup point, destination, or the vehicle’s route. The program provides identifying information of the user and the second party to computing devices associated with these nearby business associates. This enables targeted notifications or interactions, potentially improving service coordination, marketing, or safety measures. The invention addresses the challenge of dynamically linking vehicle-for-hire services with local businesses, ensuring relevant parties are informed in real time. The solution leverages geospatial data to create a networked ecosystem where businesses can engage with users and their associates during transit. The system may also optimize routing or service offerings based on the proximity of these business associates.

Claim 19

Original Legal Text

19. The computer program product device of claim 18 , wherein the program instructions being executable to cause the computer to: receive a communication on behalf of the at least one business associate, the communication including the respective identifying information of the user and the at least one second party and further includes one from a group of an advertisement, a coupon, and an offer regarding a business of the at least one business associate; and send the one from the group of the advertisement, the coupon, and the offer to respective devices of the user and the at least one second party for presentation via an application executing on the respective devices, wherein the application includes one of an application associated with the vehicle for hire service, an email application, and a text messaging application.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to a computer program product for facilitating communication between users and business associates in a vehicle-for-hire service ecosystem. The system addresses the challenge of efficiently delivering targeted promotions, such as advertisements, coupons, or offers, to users and their associated parties (e.g., fellow passengers or service providers) based on their interactions within the service. The program instructions enable a computer to receive communications on behalf of business associates, which include identifying information of the user and at least one second party. These communications also contain promotional content, such as advertisements, coupons, or offers related to the business associate's services. The system then sends these promotions to the respective devices of the user and the second party for display through an application. The application may be associated with the vehicle-for-hire service, an email application, or a text messaging application, ensuring seamless delivery and presentation of the promotional content. This approach enhances targeted marketing by leveraging user interactions within the service ecosystem, ensuring relevant promotions reach both the primary user and their associated parties. The system improves engagement by integrating promotions into commonly used applications, increasing visibility and response rates.

Patent Metadata

Filing Date

Unknown

Publication Date

November 10, 2020

Inventors

Vincent Tkac
Joshua M. Rice
Andrew C. Myers

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LOCATING A MOBILE DEVICE AND NOTIFYING A USER OF THE MOBILE DEVICE LOCATION